Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health最新文献

This study aimed to determine the potential predictive value of four noninvasive anthropometric indices in screening for the risk of diabetes and hypertension in the Lao population. The data used for this study were collected as part of the National Health Survey which used the World Health Organization's stepwise approach, covered 17 provinces and Vientiane capital, and had a representative sample of 3240 participants above 18 years old. Among the anthropometry indices tested, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) had the highest predictive power for the prevalence of diabetes (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.73) and hypertension (AUC = 0.70). It is suitable for use in urban or rural areas and for fieldwork. The WHtR can serve as a public health and clinical screening tool, as there are no differences between sexes, ages, and ethnicities when monitoring diabetes and hypertension risk in Lao PDR, using the optimal cutoff point of 0.5 for both diabetes and hypertension.

This study explores the longitudinal relationship between the presence of knee pain and knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms with risk of sarcopenia, hospitalization, and mortality. Data from Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR) study was utilized. The presence of knee pain and knee OA symptoms was determined at baseline between 2013 and 2015, whereas sarcopenia was determined in 2019 using SARC-F with telephone interviews. Hospitalization status was identified by asking participants "Have you been admitted to hospital since you enrolled into the MELoR study?" Death Registry data were obtained from the National Registry Department. Data from 577 individuals, mean age (SD) = 68.214 (7.095), range = 54 to 97 years, and 55.5% women at baseline, were included. Knee pain and knee OA symptoms were associated with increased risk of probable sarcopenia at follow-up, odds ratios (95% confidence interval) =2.71 [1.61, 4.58] and 2.73 [1.59, 4.71], respectively, after adjustment for confounders. Knee pain and knee OA symptoms were not associated with hospitalization and mortality. Knee pain and knee OA symptoms were associated with increased risk of probable sarcopenia at five-year follow-up in an urban older population in Kuala Lumpur. Future studies should seek to identify modifiable risk factors for the development of sarcopenia in individuals with knee OA.

Culturally appropriate research frameworks are needed for investigating Pacific well-being. This study expands on existing Pacific methodologies and presents a well-being research framework by studying the Niue community. Traditional storytelling or talanoa methodology, referred to as tala in the Niue context, was used to explore and understand the lived experiences of well-being from Niue elders. The elders described traditional activities and objects that are required to sustain well-being, as well as relationships with family, community, and the environment. Three interconnected principles that influence the well-being of the Niue people emerged from the tala, namely, Vahā Loto-Agaaga Ofania (Spirit of Care), Fakafetuiaga (Inclusive Relationship), and Fakamalolo (Empowerment). Using a Niue lens, the key three principles were developed into the Matalili-Aga Gahua (Matalili Wellbeing Framework), based on a circular woven pattern that is distinctive to the Niue culture. The principles of the Matalili Wellbeing Framework are proposed as a guide in future Niue-centered research.

Thailand is one of the Southeast Asia countries that has been significantly impacted by Registered Nurse (RN) workforce shortages. This integrative review aims to critically analyze factors influencing the attrition and retention of RNs practicing in Thailand's hospital sector. The databases searched included CINAHL (via EBSCOhost), EMBASE, Nursing Allied (via ProQuest), Ovid, Scopus, Web of Science, and Medline. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were utilized to record the search strategy findings in compliance with the review standards, while the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to appraise quality. Sources for review totaled 35, using quantitative methods (n = 30), qualitative methods (n = 3), and mixed methods (n = 2). Thematic analysis revealed factors that challenge RNs' job motivation fueled by a lack of autonomy, a loss of confidence and sense of competence, and negative workplace relations with co-workers, resulting in poor job satisfaction. Future research is needed to elicit an understanding of "how" Thai RNs sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in their workplace practice provides insight into "why" they choose to remain employed or leave the nursing workforce.